Florida Girl With Rare Brain Tumor Uses Art to Give Back to the Hospital That Saved Her

Kids like Victoria Rubio-Lebron don’t come around very often. The 10-year-old South Florida girl was just eight when she was diagnosed with meningioma—a brain tumor that’s rare in kids—and hasn’t let it get her down. Not one bit.

“I always try to stay positive with things. I always think if you stay negative nothing good is going to happen to you,” Victoria recently told CBS Miami.

“We spent almost a month in the hospital. She lost her left side control. She had a stroke and it was very, very difficult,” her mother, Damary Lebron, added.

Thanks to the treatment she received at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Victoria is now doing well and committed to giving back to the hospital that saved her.

Through her fundraising group, Team Victoria, the youngster is helping to kick off Miami’s St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer in September with “Team Victoria’s Runway”—a fashion show and art auction to raise money for the children’s hospital. Not only is she generous, she’s talented too. The art featured in the silent auction are original works by Victoria herself.

“I like to paint like Angels, and I like pink and bright colors because it reminds me how happy I was in St. Jude, and they were really nice and they were like a second family and home,” Victoria explained to CBS Miami. Victoria, who is now a spokesperson for St. Jude’s says her experience there inspired her to become a radiation oncologist when she grows up as yet another way to give back.

“Team Victoria’s Runway” is hosted by Robb & Stucky, in partnership with Douglas Elliman and Aleren Boutique. “As part of our tradition of giving back to support our community, Robb & Stucky is proud and honored to support Team Victoria,” Oscar Moreno, General Manager of the Robb & Stucky Coral Gables showroom, said in a statement. “We hope the community will learn more about Victoria’s inspiring story and support this impactful event.”

The show will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, at Robb & Stucky’s showroom in Coral Gables. In addition to the silent art auction, it will also feature fashions from Aleren, as well as hors d’oeuvres and music. Admission is $35 for adults, $5 for students and free for children 12 and under. To RSVP, donate or sponsor the event, visit RobbStucky.com.